Additional names added to the Armed Forces Memorial
28 June 2008
A simple, private service was held on Saturday 27 June 2008 at the Armed Forces Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to commemorate the 102 UK Servicemen and women killed while on duty during 2007.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Veterans Minister Derek Twigg attended, along with families and close friends of those honoured today.
The additional 102 names have been hand carved onto the walls of the Armed Forces Memorial and join the 16,000 entries carved by computer when the memorial was created. These represent all those members of UK Forces who have lost their lives since 1948.
Each new name was read out to the congregation by the representatives of the respective Services, followed by a two-minute silence. Wreaths were then laid by HRH The Prince of Wales, Derek Twigg and Vice Admiral Wilkinson.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Twigg said:
“Today’s service highlights the dedication and sacrifice of our servicemen and women around the world. As members of our Armed Forces, it is right that we pay tribute to those who have died while on duty in 2007, whether on operations or not. I hope that the addition of their names to this magnificent new Armed Forces Memorial will provide a focus and comfort for their families and friends, and will be a fitting tribute on behalf of the nation.”
Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore - of 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment - was one of three service personnel killed by a mortar attack at the Basra Contingency Operating Base on the 19 July 2007. Christopher had followed his father Geoff into the Royal Auxiliary Air Service, and was its first member to be killed in action since the Second World War.
Geoff Dunsmore attended the service today and said of the commemoration:
“There is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for something you believe in. Today, Chris, who was an RAF Auxiliary, his full-time colleagues who died with him and all the members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in 2007 have been recognised for this quality. It is with honour and pride that Chris’s partner Donna, his family and his friends can see him honoured in such a way at the Memorial.”
Notes to Editors:
In 2007, 102 members of the Armed Forces lost their lives while on duty. The figure includes nine members of the Royal Navy, 85 members of the Army, and eight members of the Royal Air Force.
The Armed Services were represented by Vice-Admiral Peter Wilkinson, the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Sir Freddie Viggers, the Adjutant General, and Air Marshal Stephen Dalton. The service was led by Bishop John Kirkham, a former Bishop to the Forces and Trustee for the Armed Forces Memorial.
In keeping with the other names inscribed on the Memorial, the list includes personnel killed both on or off active duty, as a result of training or road traffic accidents, or through other activity connected with serving in the Armed Forces.
The newly-added names sit alongside those members of UK Forces who have lost their lives since 1948. The Armed Forces Memorial was dedicated by Her Majesty The Queen on 12 October 2007. It was built on behalf of the nation, funded by public subscription and is managed by an independent trust - www.forcesmemorial.org
The Armed Forces Memorial is located within the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. The NMA covers 60 hectares of woodland and hosts memorials from a range of organisations both military and civilian, charities, local and overseas groups.
This service took place the day after Veterans Day, a national event which celebrates the contribution made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces, and raises public awareness of veterans’ issues. The national Veterans Day was hosted by Blackpool, however there are further events and activities planned throughout the year. For more information please visit: www.veteransday.org.uk
For further information contact Tom Callagher, Defence PR and Events, MoD, 020 7218 0341, 07500 121264.
